Crowds at Irish greyhound stadiums fall again according to 2014 figures

Attendance at greyhound meetings continued to decline last year at a time when the industry faced criticism over its corporate governance, doping controls, and animal-welfare sanctions.

A total of 644,839 people attended race nights at the country’s 17 greyhound tracks in 2014 — down more than 43,000 on the previous year’s figures and a drop in annual attendance of 6.2%.

The average attendance at greyhound meetings last year was just 371, down from 392 in 2014.

Bord na gCon — the Irish Greyhound Board (IGB) — said the falling attendance figures had a knock-on effect on track operations and tote performance.

In its annual report for 2014, the board reported total prize money had been reduced by 5.8% to €7.4m.

The commercial semi-state body, which is responsible for the control and development of the greyhound industry, said it had to reluctantly reverse its decision to increase prize money in January 2013 and reduce it back to 2012 levels. However, the value of sponsorship remained effectively unchanged at almost €880,000.

The board recorded an operating surplus of €319,609 from its racing activities covering 1,736 meetings last year, down from over €1.3m in 2013.

The IGB derives its funding from the exchequer as well as admission fees to greyhound stadiums, concession fees from restaurants, as well as a percentage of the tote turnover and on-course bookmaker betting.

Turnover from the tote fell by 7%, or €1.5m, to €19.9m, while bookmaker income was down over 19% to €212,144. Income from track attendances held up better falling just over 1% to €4.9m.

Its net bank borrowings increased by €600.000 to €22.4m, while the IGB said it had significantly advanced funding proposals to address a €10.4m deficit in its defined pension scheme.

Looking ahead, the board said it expects an improved financial performance as a result of “the internationalisation of the Irish racing product” through greater streaming and sale of TV rights.

The IGB is also proceeding with the sale of core and non-core assets, which is expected to include its stadium at Harold’s Cross in Dublin and its former head office at Henry St, Limerick, to eliminate bank borrowings and increase prize funds.

The sale of any of its properties is subject to the consent of Agriculture Minister Simon Coveney, who said recently that he had not yet received such a request from the IGB.

Bord na gCon chairman Phil Meaney said 2014 had been a difficult trading year for the industry. However, he said the organisation had also begun processes of significant strategic change that will allow it to develop an environment whereby stakeholders can apply their trade with increasing certainty and confidence.

Business at the country’s main greyhound stadium, Shelbourne Park is continuing to improve this year, although Mr Meaney acknowledged the performance of regional venues is “challenged”.

He welcomed additional funding of €2.75m for the greyhound racing industry this year to bring its annual exchequer funding to €13.6m.